x
Breaking News
More () »

Special Surprise for Honorary Firefighter

KINGSTON — In Luzerne County, a special young man got a surprise honor Tuesday night, and the Columbian Volunteer Fire Department in Kingston got a new me...
honorary firefighter

KINGSTON -- In Luzerne County, a special young man got a surprise honor Tuesday night, and the Columbian Volunteer Fire Department in Kingston got a new member.

Sixteen-year-old Ryan Wasko is a hard worker. He volunteers at the Kingston fire department every week, cleaning and shredding papers, always willing to help. It's something he's been doing for two years.

"The first thing he does is turn on the scanner, and he knows all the tones. Before they even say what fire company or what emergency it's from, and he will say who the company is and then he prays for them," said Barbara Wasko, Ryan's mother.

Wasko has special needs. He has autism and Down syndrome, but those who know him say that doesn't hold him back from giving his all to the local fire department.

And so, as a special surprise, Wasko was inducted as an honorary firefighter.

"He seems to bring out the best in us and he's just, we love him. I can't say anything else," said Dave Padavan with the Kingston Fire Department.

Fellow firefighters say they're proud to have Wasko around, calling him “a real asset."

"We're thrilled to death," Padavan added.

As part of the surprise, Wasko was able to honk the engine’s horn. He also got a sweet treat. Ryan always brings treats to the firefighters, so this was their chance to treat him with cupcakes.

"I think that Ryan has come to know and love these guys, and the feeling is definitely mutual, and to have that sense of belonging and be able to help out in his community and now being able to be an official member, that's priceless and it fills my heart with gratitude," said Barbara Wasko.

Before You Leave, Check This Out